Last week Honda announced their 2014 BTCC contender, which moves from the championship-winning Civic hatchback to an all-new Civic Tourer – that’s right a frumpy(ish) looking Estate car. Thankfully the higher-performance WTCC Civic stays true to form.

Honda’s latest rendering reflects the all new technical regulations introduced for the FIA WTCC series in 2014. It shows the new car’s extended wheel arches, larger diameter wheels, sleeker aero package and extended rear spoiler.

Honda’s Civic WTCC will be powered by the latest regulation WTCC powerplant, producing around 380bhp and 400Nm of torque from its 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engine.

With several big names joining the series in 2014, including Citroën’s Sebastian Loeb, the spectacle should be improved as will the challenge facing Honda in retaining their Manufacturers crown.

JAS Motorsport Drivers Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro return for the 2014 season and hope to challenge for the drivers title, especially with 2013 champion Yvan Muller moving to the newly-formed Citroën team.

SEE ALSO: Sébastien Loeb’s WTCC Citroën breaks cover (w/VIDEO)

Privateer outfits Zengo Motorsport and Proteam Racing will enter factory spec cars with Hungary’s Norbert Michelisz and Moroccan Mehdi Bennani driving for their teams.

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